Gaming board and gaming set

ABSTRACT

A gaming apparatus is disclosed. The gaming apparatus includes a main panel principally formed of a first material and possessing at least one opening, and a support member configured to maintain a front surface of the main panel at an oblique angle when the gaming apparatus is set on a horizontal surface. A damping portion of the front surface of the main panel includes a second material configured to substantially reduce a bouncing effect of a projectile when the projectile impacts the second material compared to when the projectile impacts the first material.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/546,878, filed on Aug. 17, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a gaming board and a gaming set for playing a lawn game involving projectiles aimed at one or more openings in the board.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Some conventional gaming boards are adapted for playing lawn games in which players take turns throwing projectiles at a perforated inclined platform. These games are typically played with bean bags, sand bags, or other projectiles that are not susceptible to bouncing off the board due to their material and structure.

SUMMARY

A gaming apparatus is disclosed. The gaming apparatus includes a main panel principally formed of a first material and possessing at least one opening, and a support member configured to maintain a front surface of the main panel at an oblique angle with respect to a surface upon which the gaming apparatus is set, such as the ground. The gaming apparatus includes a damping portion configured to reduce a bouncing effect of a projectile when the projectile impacts the gaming apparatus. For example, the front surface of the main panel can include a second material thereon which reduces the bouncing effect of a projectile as compared to a bouncing effect of the projectile if the projectile were to impact the first material of the main panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments disclosed herein when read in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1-10 show embodiments of a gaming board;

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a receiving apparatus;

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a gaming set; and

FIGS. 13A-P show different embodiments of patterns of openings that a gaming apparatus as disclosed herein may include.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-10 show illustrative embodiments of a gaming apparatus 100. The gaming apparatus 100 can include a main panel 110 and a support member 130 configured to maintain a front surface 112 of the main panel 110 at an oblique angle to a surface upon which the gaming apparatus 100 is set such as a horizontal surface H shown in FIG. 1. The main panel 110 includes at least one opening 120. The main panel 110 can be principally formed of a first material. The gaming apparatus includes a damping portion that is configured to reduce the bouncing effect of a projectile which impacts the main panel 110. For example, the gaming apparatus 100 can include a damping portion 114 on the front surface 112 of the main panel 110. The damping portion 114 can be formed of a second material that is operable to substantially reduce a bouncing effect of a projectile when the projectile impacts the second material compared to if the projectile were to impact the first material of the main panel 110. In an embodiment, the damping portion 114 can be located below the main panel 110. In an embodiment, the game apparatus 100 may not include a damping portion 114.

In an embodiment, the main panel 110 can be rectangular. In an embodiment, the rectangular main panel 110 measures about 48 inches by about 24 inches, with a thickness of about 2 inches. In other illustrative embodiments, the main panel 110 can be any other shape, including, but not limited to, any other polygonal, circular, or oval shape. A polygonal main panel 110 can have sharp or rounded corners. In an illustrative embodiment, the first material is wood or a wood composite. In other embodiments, the first material can include any suitable material, including, but not limited to, any combination of wood, metal, or plastic. The support member 130 can be made of the same or a different material as the main panel 110. In illustrative embodiments, the support member 130 includes one leg or several legs. The leg or legs can be removable or permanently attached to the main panel 110 or other portion of the gaming apparatus 100. If the support member 130 includes multiple legs, the legs can be independently movable or alternatively or coupled together. In an embodiment, the support member 130 can be a T-shaped leg.

In embodiments, the oblique angle ranges between about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees, preferably between about 15 degrees and about 45 degrees. In an embodiment, the position of the support member 130 relative to the main panel 110 is adjustable to vary the oblique angle. Adjusting the oblique angle can be achieved using, for example, notches that are operationally coupled to a back surface 116 of the main panel 110 or formed in the main panel 110, which engages a member that is operationally coupled to the support member 130.

In an embodiment, the one or more openings 120 are circular and sized to accommodate a projectile the size of about a standard golf ball. In other embodiments, the one or more openings 120 can be any other shape, including, but not limited to, triangular, rectangular, star-shaped, hexagonal, octagonal, U-shaped, etc. In an embodiment, the gaming apparatus 100 includes more than one opening wherein the openings 120 can each be the same shape or include a combination of different shapes. In an embodiment, the one or more openings 120 can be sized to accommodate any other desired projectile. To accommodate a standard golf ball or projectile having the same dimensions as a standard golf ball, the diameter of the one or more openings 120 are about equal to the diameter of a golf hole. In an embodiment, the diameter of the one or more openings 120 are each about 4.25 inches.

In an illustrative embodiment, the support member 130 is hinged to the main panel 110 so that the gaming apparatus 100 is configurable in: a folded configuration (FIG. 2) in which the support member 130 is directed along the back surface 116 of the main panel 110, and an extended configuration (FIG. 1) in which the support member 130 extends away from the main panel 110 to maintain the front surface 112 of the main panel at the oblique angle when the gaming apparatus 100 is set on the ground or a horizontal surface H. In illustrative embodiments, the support member 130 can be formed integrally with the main panel 110, can be rotatably coupled thereto by a hinge mechanism 190, or can be separable from the main panel 110 and attachable to the main panel 110 to accommodate each configuration.

In an illustrative embodiment, the second material includes fabric, grass, turf and/or a grass-like material, such as, but not limited to, simulated grass formed by artificial turf yarn. In an illustrative embodiment, one purpose of the second material is to prevent or reduce bounce when a golf ball or golf ball like projectile impacts or rolls along the main panel 110 at the damping portion 114.

In illustrative embodiments, the damping portion 114 spans part of the front surface 112 or the entirety of the front surface 112.

In an embodiment, the at least one opening 120 is a blind recess.

In an embodiment, the at least one opening 120 is a through hole.

In embodiments, the opening 120 is configured to receive a drinking cup 200 (shown in FIG. 12).

In an embodiment, at least one guiding member or bumper 118 is located adjacent one or more respective sides of the opening(s) 120 and extend along the oblique angle of the front surface 112, or across the oblique angle of the front surface 112, of the main panel 110. In an embodiment, one purpose of the guiding member 118 is to reduce the risk of a golf ball rolling off a side of the main panel 110 or to bump the golf ball towards the one or more openings 120 if impacted by the golf ball. Preferably, the gaming board 100 includes two guiding members 118, located on each side of the main panel 110. In an embodiment, the main panel can include a guiding member 118 at a lower end thereof which operates as a ball catch for missed balls, or alternatively, a barrier overwhich a projectile must be chipped so that shots which are not properly chipped are obstructed from entering a respective opening 120.

In an embodiment, the gaming apparatus includes a plurality of openings 120 arranged in pyramidal (triangle) pattern. In other embodiments, openings 120 can be arranged in any other suitable patterns. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13A-P, the openings 120 can be arranged in a diamond shaped pattern, a reverse pyramidal (triangle) pattern, a circular pattern, a zig-zag pattern, a straight line extending perpendicular or parallel to the oblique angle of the main panel 110, a T-shape pattern (upper-case or lower-case), a square or rectangular-shaped pattern, a pentagon-shaped pattern, a trapezoidal-shaped pattern, a staggered or non-staggered pattern of multiple straight lines, a cross-hair shaped pattern or the like. The gaming apparatus 100 can include, for example, 1 opening, 2 openings, 3 openings, 4 openings, 5 openings, 6 openings, 7 openings, 8 openings, 9 openings, 10 openings, 11 openings, 12 openings or 13 or more openings. In an embodiment, each opening can be configured to receive a cup, or cup-like insert.

In an embodiment, the main panel 110 includes an upper impact region 122 located above the pattern of openings 120, and a lower impact region 124 located below the pattern of openings 120. The upper and lower impact regions 122, 124 can each span an entirety of a width of the main panel 110 and are free of opening(s) 120. In an embodiment, the surface of the upper and/or lower impact regions 122, 124 is/are different from that of the damping portion 114. In embodiments (as in FIG. 12), the surface of the upper and/or lower impact region(s) 122, 124 is/are configured to receive a decorative sticker or interchangeable banner. For example, the decorative sticker or interchangeable banner 140 can be representative of an individual's favorite sports team or any alternative design. In an embodiment, a logo or insignia can be painted or printed on the upper and/or lower impact region(s) 122, 124. In an embodiment, the logo or insignia can span across the region of the gaming apparatus 100 that includes the one or more openings 120. In embodiments, the surface of the upper and/or lower impact region(s) 122, 124 include(s) peg holes 151 or pegs 150 configured to receive and hold interchangeable banners.

In an embodiment, the openings 120 can be arranged in a pyramidal pattern or an inverted pyramidal pattern such that a base portion of the pyramidal pattern is closer to the upper impact region 122 than to the lower impact region 124, and a tip portion of the pyramidal pattern is closer to the lower impact region 124 than to the upper impact region 122. In an embodiment, the main panel 110 includes six openings 120 or ten openings 120 arranged in a pyramidal pattern or an inverted pyramidal pattern.

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative embodiment of a receiving apparatus 300 configured to be fitted in or over a respective opening 120 and configured to receive a projectile before or after the projectile travels through the respective opening 120 through the front surface 112 of the main panel 110. In an illustrative embodiment, one purpose of the receiving apparatus 300 is to be fitted over or inside a cup 200 that is coupled to or held by the opening 120, and to receive a projectile such as, but not limited to, a golf ball, and to prevent this projectile from reaching the bottom of the cup 200 which may hold fluid during game play. This can prevent or reduce the risk of splashing of fluid contained inside the cup 200. In an embodiment, the golf ball is a plastic golf ball such as a practice ball, or golf ball-like projectile.

In an embodiment, the receiving apparatus 300 includes a perforated container comprising a main body 310 at least one opening 320. In an illustrative embodiment, one purpose of the opening 320 is to facilitate the fitting of the receiving apparatus 300 inside a cup 200, and the removal of the receiving apparatus 300 from the cup 200, by letting air travel through the opening 320 during fitting and removal operations. For cleanliness, the opening(s) 320 is/are preferably located on a side surface of the main body 310, and not at a bottom surface of the main body 310. This is to prevent contamination of dirt from the projectile into the cup 200. In other illustrative embodiments, an opening 320 is located at the bottom surface of the main body 310.

In an illustrative embodiment, the receiving apparatus 300 includes a net (not shown) operable to catch a projectile that travels through a respective opening 120.

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative embodiment of a gaming set including a gaming apparatus 100, and a packaging (not shown). In an illustrative embodiment, the packaging includes a plastic wrap covering the entirety or a portion of the components of the gaming set. In another illustrative embodiment, the packaging includes cardboard or other suitable packaging material for coupling the various components of the gaming set. In an embodiment, the gaming set includes two gaming apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the gaming set further includes two golf clubs and optionally golf balls or golf ball-like projectiles which are intended to be chipped through the one or more openings 120.

In an illustrative embodiment, the gaming set includes at least one drinking cup 200. In an illustrative embodiment, a gaming set includes as many drinking cups 200 as openings 120.

In an illustrative embodiment, the gaming set includes at least one receiving apparatus 300. In an illustrative embodiment, a gaming set includes as many receiving apparatuses 300 as openings 120. In an embodiment the receiving apparatus 300 includes an upper lip 305 that is configured to hold the receiving apparatus 300 in a respective opening 120.

In an illustrative embodiment, the gaming set includes a mat 400 possessing a grass, fabric, turf-like, and/or grass-like surface. In an illustrative embodiment, one purpose of the mat 400 is to serve as a pitching surface for pitching a golf ball 500 using a golf club 600, in the direction of an opening 120 in the gaming board 100. In an illustrative embodiment, a bottom surface of the mat 400 includes an anti-slipping material, such as, but not limited to, rubber. This is to reduce the risk of slippage of the mat 400 during pitching. In a further embodiment, the mat 400 can be integral with the gaming apparatus 100.

In an illustrative embodiment, the gaming set includes a ball 500. In an illustrative embodiment, the ball 500 is a standard golf ball or resembles a golf ball, but is made of a softer and/or lighter material.

In an embodiment, the gaming set includes one or more golf clubs 600.

In illustrative embodiments, gaming apparatus 100 or gaming sets are configured to facilitate the playing of a lawn game with rules similar to the popular game “beer pong,” played with golf balls pitched using golf clubs rather than ping pong balls. However, in an embodiment, ping pong balls may be used as the projectile for the game. For example, a game can be played according to the following method. At the start of a game, cups 200 are filled with a beverage and are arranged in a pyramidal formation in corresponding openings 120 in two respective gaming apparatus or boards 100. Receiving apparatuses 300 are placed over or into each cup 200. Players take turns launching (chipping) projectiles (e.g., pitching golf balls 500 from a mat 400 using golf clubs 600) in the direction of one of the cups 200 on the opposing gaming board 100. If a projectile struck by a player successfully lands in one of the receiving apparatus 300 corresponding to a cup 200, the opposing player removes the cup 200 and/or receiving apparatus 300 combination from the gaming apparatus 100. A player wins by eliminating all the cups 200 of the opposing player. In an embodiment, the game is a team game comprising teams of two or more people who alternate taking turns at chipping the golf balls or golf ball-like projectiles towards the cups 200. In an embodiment, the game can be played without the cups and/or receiving apparatus wherein the object of the game is to chip a golf ball or golf ball-like projectile through the respective openings 120.

In illustrative embodiments, gaming boards 100 or gaming sets are configured to facilitate the playing of a similar lawn game. For example, instead of filling the cups 200 with fluid, the cups 200 can be filled with cash, objects of value, or “dare” or “challenge” instructions. Receiving apparatuses 300 are not needed in this case. In an embodiment, the gaming set can include coasters or circular disks that are used to cover the openings 120. For example, game play can include covering a respective opening 120 after a player has successfully landed a golf ball or golf-ball like projectile through the opening.

In an embodiment, the gaming apparatus 100 can include a first pattern of openings 120 in the main panel 110 and the damping portion 114 can have a second pattern of openings wherein the first pattern of openings 120 in the main panel include more openings than the second pattern of openings in the damping portion 114. The damping portion 114 can be placed on the main panel 110 such that the damping portion 114 covers or obstructs certain openings in the first pattern of openings 120 while the second pattern of openings each align with a respective opening of the first pattern of openings 120 such that only openings of the first pattern of openings 120 corresponding to the second pattern of openings in the damping portion 114 remain open. In this manner, interchangeable damping portions 114 having different patterns of openings can be placed over the main panel 110 such that the pattern of openings 120 of the gaming apparatus 100 can be changed. For example, a gaming set could include a gaming apparatus 100 having a main panel 110 having a first pattern of openings 120, and further include a first damping portion 114 having a pattern of openings which when placed on the main panel 110 result in a gaming apparatus 100 with a pyramidal pattern of openings 120, and a second damping portion 114 having a different pattern of openings than the first damping portion, which when placed on the main panel 110 result in a gaming apparatus 100 with an inverse pyramidal pattern of openings 120. Additional damping portions 114 can be configured such that multiple, different, patterns of openings 120 can be achieved with a single main panel of the gaming apparatus 100.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure herein can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be exemplary and not restricted. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes that come within the meaning and range and equivalence thereof are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A gaming apparatus comprising: a main panel principally formed of a first material and possessing at least one opening; and a support member configured to maintain a front surface of the main panel at an oblique angle when the gaming apparatus is set on a horizontal surface, wherein a damping portion of the front surface of the main panel includes a second material configured to substantially reduce a bouncing effect of a projectile when the projectile impacts the second material compared to when the projectile impacts the first material, wherein the main panel includes peg holes or pegs configured to receive a banner.
 2. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is hinged to the main panel so that the gaming apparatus is configurable in: a folded configuration in which the support member is directed along the back surface of the main panel; and an extended configuration in which the support member extends away from the main panel to maintain the front surface of the main panel at the oblique angle when the gaming apparatus is set on the horizontal surface.
 3. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second material includes grass or a grass-like material.
 4. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is a blind recess.
 5. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is a through hole.
 6. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one guiding member located to a respective side of the at least one opening and extending along the oblique angle of the front surface of the main panel.
 7. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening includes a plurality of openings arranged in pyramidal pattern, and wherein the main panel possesses an upper impact surface located above the pyramidal pattern, and a lower impact surface located below the pyramidal pattern, the upper and lower impact surfaces each spanning an entirety of a width of the main panel and being free of openings.
 8. The gaming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pyramidal pattern is an inverted pyramidal pattern such that a base portion of the pyramidal pattern is closer to the upper impact surface than to the lower impact surface, and a tip portion of the pyramidal pattern is closer to the lower impact surface than to the upper impact surface.
 9. A packaged gaming set comprising: the gaming apparatus of claim 1; at least one receiving apparatus configured to be fitted in or over a respective one of the at least one opening and configured to receive a projectile after the projectile travels through the respective one opening through the front surface of the main panel; and a packaging coupling the gaming apparatus and the at least one receiving apparatus.
 10. The gaming apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one receiving apparatus includes a perforated container.
 11. The gaming apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one receiving apparatus includes a net.
 12. The gaming apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a mat possessing a grass or grass-like surface, wherein the mat is coupled by the packaging to the gaming apparatus and the at least one receiving apparatus.
 13. The gaming apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a mat possessing at least one ball coupled by the packaging to the gaming apparatus and the at least one receiving apparatus.
 14. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a banner attached to the main panel via pegs.
 15. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the banner includes pegs that are received in peg holes of the main panel.
 16. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main panel includes pegs configured to receive peg holes located in the banner.
 17. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pegs or peg holes are located in the upper impact region or the lower impact region. 